Tall People - What Windshield Works For You? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

FraTra · 10-02-2008, 11:57 AM

I don't consider myself tall but at 5'11'' the Memphis Shades Big Shot at 21" tall did not work, the buffeting was so bad it gave me a headache.

So what have you guys 5'11" or taller have that works for you?

My bike is stock and has not been lowered or anything.

Thanks.

sra4031 · 10-02-2008, 12:00 PM

Do you have lowers, and is your helmet the correct fit?

The correct height should be you can sit erect and see over the windshield.

FraTra · 10-02-2008, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sra4031

Do you have lowers, and is your helmet the correct fit?

The correct height should be you can sit erect and see over the windshield.

No Lowers. Helmet fits fine, it's a full face HJC.

sra4031 · 10-02-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FraTra

No Lowers. Helmet fits fine, it's a full face HJC.

Lowers works wonders. I cannot believe what 2 small pieces of plastic does to improve the ride.

Wanted to make sure the helmet was not too tight. You will be surprised how many people buys helmets too tight, and I think it is due to how they size it. I wear a 6 7/8 hat, but a large in a helmet

geoffsimpson · 10-02-2008, 12:38 PM

Like the others said, add lowers...makes a world of difference.

That being said, i'm 6'2, and i've actually gone down to a MemphisShades hellcat. It leaves my helmet exposed and takes the wind off my chest. Works fine for me

**intimid8er** · 10-02-2008, 02:37 PM

Like these other guys said.

With windshields...bigger is not always better.

Sure there's exceptions, but the solutions to make them work costs extra.

sra4031 · 10-02-2008, 02:44 PM

I would love to add a fairing to mine.

DaveAlvarado · 10-02-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geoffsimpson

Like the others said, add lowers...makes a world of difference.

That being said, i'm 6'2, and i've actually gone down to a MemphisShades hellcat. It leaves my helmet exposed and takes the wind off my chest. Works fine for me

This, but a Pop Top, and I almost need to shave it down. I'm 6'0" but only have a 30" inseam, so I probably sit as high as a normally-proportioned 6'2" or 6'3" person. I gave up trying to get the wind over my head, now I'm trying to get the buffeting completely under it.

Michigunman · 10-02-2008, 07:21 PM

I'm 6'2" and had a Big Shot sitting in my garage for quite a while because of the buffeting. Last weekend I bought a new helmet. With the new helmet the buffetting is greatly minimized, nearly gone. I was pretty surprised. My previous helmet fit OK, but my new one fits really well and is better designed aerodynamically.

My original helmet was a Z1R ZRP-1. My new helmet is a Shoei RF-1000. May have to try the lowers next.

estes23 · 10-02-2008, 09:58 PM

FraTra you have a M50 right? A big tall windshield on a M50 would rediculous! I can see one a C50. I am 6' and have a hellcat. The wind hits me in the face and I wear a shell and I am perfectly fine with the hellcat. It does a good job of getting the wind off your chest and it does help a bit with my head also. I have mine a couple inches above my headlight and it is on an angle similar with my forks. Works great!!
PLEASE TELL ME PEOPLE, WHAT ARE LOWERS?????

dreygun · 10-02-2008, 10:11 PM

i'm 5'11", use the 13 inch memphis fat with no problems at all. never used any other type so not much to compare my experience too though.

lowers are the little plexi parts along side of forks. little leg windshields lol.

Ray Nielsen · 10-02-2008, 10:22 PM

My M50 is set up for touring and I've mounted a Slipstreamer Enterprise fairing with lowers and hand protection, mostly so I can ride early and late in the season here in MN.

One trick is to have at least 1-1.5" inches clearance above the headlight to allow air to enter and flow up inside the shield. That way it joins the air coming up the front and travels smoothly over your head.

I'm 5'11" and even with the Enterprise raised to allow air in over the headlight I can easily see over the top -- NO buffeting either, possibly due to the smooth air flow.

I learned this trick from National Cycles customer service dept. many years ago when I called to ask about severe buffeting with one of their Plexifairings (similar to the Enterprise).

I'll try to include a couple of pictures with the Enterprise installed -- bear in mind I had to modify the opening to allow it to fit over the wide forks of the M50. Did the cutting with a Dremel mototool and a carbide cut off wheel and worked carefully -- you can pretty much see how much needed to be trimmed in the photos.

Ray Nielsen, in Minneapolis and going for a ride tomorrow!

tallannie · 10-03-2008, 11:14 AM

I am 6'3" and I definitely look over the M Fats 21" shield on my C50. I have never noticed buffetting like everyone mentions...?... maybe I have it and just have never noticed anything different? I do have a gap around the headlight...no lowers... and I like my ride just fine...

Quote:

Originally Posted by FraTra

I don't consider myself tall but at 5'11'' the Memphis Shades Big Shot at 21" tall did not work, the buffeting was so bad it gave me a headache.

So what have you guys 5'11" or taller have that works for you?

My bike is stock and has not been lowered or anything.

Thanks.

**intimid8er** · 10-03-2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tallannie

I am 6'3" and I definitely look over the M Fats 21" shield on my C50.

That's partially the key.

Allow me to muddle through an explanation?

digitalbroccoli · 10-03-2008, 01:57 PM

6'2" here, and I've tried:

National cycle deflector shield
Memhis shades hellcat and alleycat
Memphis shades pop top
Memphis shades big shot
I also test fitted the OEM shield and took a ride, but it wasn't better.

The bar mount shields definately give you more option on how to adjust them than the fork mounts, and depending on what you're looking for, you may succedd in getting the wind off your chest and leaving your head in clean air, as some have done.

The tough part for me on the M50 was that anything that really did the job, reduced buffetting to a realisticly liveable level, they looked awful on the bike.

I've gone to the point where now I'm riding without a shield, and it doesn't seem too bad in taht at least its less noisy and I'm not getting bounced around. I'm debating about replacing the chrome speedo top cover with something a little wider, and playing with taht. Might look cool, and give me a little relief without causing all the noise and buffeting.

(and no, it's not the helmet. I've tried with my Nolan full and 3/4 face, an HJC full face, and my new Arai, and nothing fixes the noise/buffeting. the heck with it.)
oh...and I tried lowers, but no joy there either. I just seem to be in that spot where nothing that works looks un-retarded on he bike.

[/frustrated rant]

Michigunman · 10-03-2008, 05:49 PM

I agree that the Big Shot isn't the best look for the M50. But for late fall, early spring cool temperatures and for long trips I'll take function over form. Mine is off more than it's on. The quick release mounts are handy.

PerfectStranger · 10-03-2008, 09:05 PM

I just installed the MS Fats 19" windscreen today. Put it as low as possible, lower clamp is about 2mm above the blinker mount. Went for about an hour ride with 45 minutes of it on the highway at 65mph+. No head buffeting, seems to be just what I was looking for.

The only time it will be on the bike will be for long-ish rides...like 2+ hours of freeway riding. Can take it off with care in under 2 minutes. Sissy bar pops off in 5 seconds too. Life is good, although it's getting chilly out. Will be down to 40F tonight and I'm heading out on a road trip at 7AM. Good thing the new overpants showed up this week.

I agree with your comment about function over form michigunman. When I do have the extras installed I want them to do their job properly and am not to concerned about what other people think of them. Personally I don't like windscreens and sissy bars on my bikes but at times they are necessary.

Matt

Astryl · 10-03-2008, 09:16 PM

HI,
I recently bout a 2008 C50 and live in a windy mountainous area. The views and rides are great but the wind is pretty strong here. I'm 6'1" and was told that a windshield should come to about my nose which is about 22". are there any brands of windshield better than others?

camaleon · 10-03-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michigunman

I agree that the Big Shot isn't the best look for the M50. But for late fall, early spring cool temperatures and for long trips I'll take function over form. Mine is off more than it's on. The quick release mounts are handy.

I ordered that one and for what I can see on the picture it seems pretty nice!

Around sprint I will order the pop top (if i have the money)

estes23 · 10-03-2008, 11:25 PM

What exactly do lowers do? Where are they supposed to block wind at? Your legs? Seriously!!!

10-02-2008, 11:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
FraTra Where Am I ? Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: 2008 M50 Posts: 31	Tall People - What Windshield Works For You? I don't consider myself tall but at 5'11'' the Memphis Shades Big Shot at 21" tall did not work, the buffeting was so bad it gave me a headache. So what have you guys 5'11" or taller have that works for you? My bike is stock and has not been lowered or anything. Thanks. __________________ 2008 M50 Dark Gray and Yellow.

10-02-2008, 12:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
sra4031 Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: '08 Suzuki C50C Location: Smyrna, TN Posts: 457	Do you have lowers, and is your helmet the correct fit? The correct height should be you can sit erect and see over the windshield. __________________ Jason B Bour Smyrna, TN boozing and cruzing definitely don't mix

10-02-2008, 12:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
geoffsimpson Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: Grey, not silver, GREY 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 * 1983 GS750E Cafe Racer project Location: Prince George BC Posts: 3,126	Like the others said, add lowers...makes a world of difference. That being said, i'm 6'2, and i've actually gone down to a MemphisShades hellcat. It leaves my helmet exposed and takes the wind off my chest. Works fine for me __________________ Please Note: All opinions contained herein are worth exactly what you paid for them. It's true that every time you hear a bell ring, an angel gets its wings... But what they don't tell you is that every time you hear a mouse trap "snap", and Angel gets set on fire... Grey * De-badged * V & H Straightshots w/ Thunder-Monster Baffles and Billet Hot-Tips * POWAH COMMANDAH!! * Kury Wide Style Levers * Kury Zombie Pegs (what's left of them) * Johnskit Forward Controls * Johnskit 2.5" Lowering Kit * Carbon Fibre-esque Trim kit * your mom * Memphis Shades HellCat windshield * Passenger Backrest * Baddass MO-FO behind the bars * Metz 880's w/ lettering * Flamed Thunder MFG Teardrop Intake *

10-02-2008, 02:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
intimid8er It's A Conspiracy Joined: May 2005 Bike: '06 XB12X Location: 30 41'47.99" N 83 11'26.54" W Hold My Beer Posts: 10,096	Like these other guys said. With windshields...bigger is not always better. Sure there's exceptions, but the solutions to make them work costs extra. __________________ Song Pick of the Week 12/03 Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions Bonus for Buster The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight I had no idea 20% ABV beer could get me drunk so fast!

10-02-2008, 02:44 PM	#7 (permalink)
sra4031 Third gear and cruising Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: '08 Suzuki C50C Location: Smyrna, TN Posts: 457	I would love to add a fairing to mine. __________________ Jason B Bour Smyrna, TN boozing and cruzing definitely don't mix

10-02-2008, 07:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
Michigunman In Training Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Walled Lake, MI Posts: 107	I'm 6'2" and had a Big Shot sitting in my garage for quite a while because of the buffeting. Last weekend I bought a new helmet. With the new helmet the buffetting is greatly minimized, nearly gone. I was pretty surprised. My previous helmet fit OK, but my new one fits really well and is better designed aerodynamically. My original helmet was a Z1R ZRP-1. My new helmet is a Shoei RF-1000. May have to try the lowers next. __________________

10-02-2008, 09:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
estes23 In Training Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: 08 Black/Yellow M50 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 126	FraTra you have a M50 right? A big tall windshield on a M50 would rediculous! I can see one a C50. I am 6' and have a hellcat. The wind hits me in the face and I wear a shell and I am perfectly fine with the hellcat. It does a good job of getting the wind off your chest and it does help a bit with my head also. I have mine a couple inches above my headlight and it is on an angle similar with my forks. Works great!! PLEASE TELL ME PEOPLE, WHAT ARE LOWERS?????

10-02-2008, 10:11 PM	#11 (permalink)
dreygun Found second gear by accident Joined: Aug 2008 Bike: 2006 silver M50 Location: barrie, ontario, canada Posts: 305	i'm 5'11", use the 13 inch memphis fat with no problems at all. never used any other type so not much to compare my experience too though. lowers are the little plexi parts along side of forks. little leg windshields lol. __________________ Tom Poh @ Dreygunz Decalz Custom Stickers/ Banners 2006 silver debadged M50/ kury iso-grips ( with throttle boss, grip spikes, front & back pegs, clutch & brake covers)/ chrome accents (oil and brake cap)/ garmin Zumo 550 Gps/ Stock pipes (debaffled, demickey'd, blacked out header side)/ leather saddlebags & supports/ sissy bar & rack/ memphis fat 13" clear/ roadrunner cup holder/ HD fork pouch/ PC3/ 32" drag bar/ sidemount curved plate mount/ clear signals/ johnskit 3in lowering/ chrome rad cover/ Integrated signal back light kit/ removed OEM back signals and license housing/ Sickle Stem Lucifer Mirrors/ kury ultra tour bag/ JK's forward controls. Coming soon: Hypercharger/ adaptor.

10-02-2008, 10:22 PM	#12 (permalink)
Ray Nielsen In Training Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 2005 Boulevard M50 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 139	My M50 is set up for touring and I've mounted a Slipstreamer Enterprise fairing with lowers and hand protection, mostly so I can ride early and late in the season here in MN. One trick is to have at least 1-1.5" inches clearance above the headlight to allow air to enter and flow up inside the shield. That way it joins the air coming up the front and travels smoothly over your head. I'm 5'11" and even with the Enterprise raised to allow air in over the headlight I can easily see over the top -- NO buffeting either, possibly due to the smooth air flow. I learned this trick from National Cycles customer service dept. many years ago when I called to ask about severe buffeting with one of their Plexifairings (similar to the Enterprise). I'll try to include a couple of pictures with the Enterprise installed -- bear in mind I had to modify the opening to allow it to fit over the wide forks of the M50. Did the cutting with a Dremel mototool and a carbide cut off wheel and worked carefully -- you can pretty much see how much needed to be trimmed in the photos. Ray Nielsen, in Minneapolis and going for a ride tomorrow! Attached Thumbnails

10-03-2008, 01:57 PM	#15 (permalink)
digitalbroccoli U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 06 M50 in Bluuuuuuuuue Location: Sodus, NY Posts: 1,059	6'2" here, and I've tried: National cycle deflector shield Memhis shades hellcat and alleycat Memphis shades pop top Memphis shades big shot I also test fitted the OEM shield and took a ride, but it wasn't better. The bar mount shields definately give you more option on how to adjust them than the fork mounts, and depending on what you're looking for, you may succedd in getting the wind off your chest and leaving your head in clean air, as some have done. The tough part for me on the M50 was that anything that really did the job, reduced buffetting to a realisticly liveable level, they looked awful on the bike. I've gone to the point where now I'm riding without a shield, and it doesn't seem too bad in taht at least its less noisy and I'm not getting bounced around. I'm debating about replacing the chrome speedo top cover with something a little wider, and playing with taht. Might look cool, and give me a little relief without causing all the noise and buffeting. (and no, it's not the helmet. I've tried with my Nolan full and 3/4 face, an HJC full face, and my new Arai, and nothing fixes the noise/buffeting. the heck with it.) oh...and I tried lowers, but no joy there either. I just seem to be in that spot where nothing that works looks un-retarded on he bike. [/frustrated rant] __________________ 06 Blue M50 - tattoo profiler and bags, pciii, hypercharger, cruzers, drag bars, lots of other goodies. 99 black bandit - winter project. mwahahaha.

10-03-2008, 05:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
Michigunman In Training Joined: Aug 2007 Bike: 2007 Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: Walled Lake, MI Posts: 107	I agree that the Big Shot isn't the best look for the M50. But for late fall, early spring cool temperatures and for long trips I'll take function over form. Mine is off more than it's on. The quick release mounts are handy. __________________

10-03-2008, 09:05 PM	#17 (permalink)
PerfectStranger In Training Joined: Sep 2008 Bike: 2007 Suzuki M50 Location: Willoughby, OH Posts: 126	I just installed the MS Fats 19" windscreen today. Put it as low as possible, lower clamp is about 2mm above the blinker mount. Went for about an hour ride with 45 minutes of it on the highway at 65mph+. No head buffeting, seems to be just what I was looking for. The only time it will be on the bike will be for long-ish rides...like 2+ hours of freeway riding. Can take it off with care in under 2 minutes. Sissy bar pops off in 5 seconds too. Life is good, although it's getting chilly out. Will be down to 40F tonight and I'm heading out on a road trip at 7AM. Good thing the new overpants showed up this week. I agree with your comment about function over form michigunman. When I do have the extras installed I want them to do their job properly and am not to concerned about what other people think of them. Personally I don't like windscreens and sissy bars on my bikes but at times they are necessary. Matt __________________ Geography is where it's at. Last edited by PerfectStranger; 10-03-2008 at 09:07 PM.

10-03-2008, 09:16 PM	#18 (permalink)
Astryl Newbie Joined: Sep 2008 Bike: 2008 Suzuki C50 Location: Sparwood BC Posts: 11	HI, I recently bout a 2008 C50 and live in a windy mountainous area. The views and rides are great but the wind is pretty strong here. I'm 6'1" and was told that a windshield should come to about my nose which is about 22". are there any brands of windshield better than others?

10-03-2008, 11:25 PM	#20 (permalink)
estes23 In Training Joined: Jul 2008 Bike: 08 Black/Yellow M50 Location: St. Louis, Missouri Posts: 126	What exactly do lowers do? Where are they supposed to block wind at? Your legs? Seriously!!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Best Tall windshield for the M ???	tdurham	Marauder M50 Secret Hideaway	6	07-23-2008 08:17 PM
Any 6'1" people out there use a OEM Windshield?	'08-M50 Rider	Marauder M50 Secret Hideaway	21	05-08-2008 11:42 PM
Windshield for tall rider	md2lgyk	Cruisers	10	04-27-2005 07:40 PM
I hope this works	cobra marauder	Members Photo Gallery	6	11-15-2004 09:48 AM